Update from the Mouse Pad!

Hello Everyone,

We've had a busy month completing projects and starting new ones! Here's a recap. As usual if you want further details or want to see your child's work on our server, please stop by and I'll be happy to show you.

Kindergartens are really getting into our school wide web based typing program, TTL4. I'm so happy that many of you have downloaded this program at home so that your child can continue their typing practice. If you have not yet downloaded this program, I highly encourage you to do so. It is free as the school has paid for the subscription and the directions to download are on your child's homeroom teacher's website under the document section. The kids love getting to the different lessons and completing the typing games. Ask them about 'Security Check' and 'Big Ideas'. Please let me know if you have any questions downloading this program.

First Graders completed their web project using Kidspiration. They used various symbols, fonts and colors to describe who they are. They also had the chance to record on each symbol. They loved this and some even sang a song on their recording. It amazes me as to how confident these kids are. All the students got a chance to share their projects using the smart board and they loved tapping on their recordings.

Second Graders completed their web using Inspiration, which is a step up from Kidspiration. Here the webs get more detailed and they were able to insert their own photograph. In doing so, they got lots of practice resizing and rearranging their project. They got a kick out of seeing their picture in their digital project! Please ask them about it.

Third Graders completed their Scratch projects. These projects were graded and sent home. If you have not seen it, please ask them about it. They were graded on meeting certain criteria and presentation skills. They all did a fabulous job. It amazes me how much more detailed and complex these projects get each year from my 3rd Graders. I know we have many future programmers in the making. Please encourage your child to continue programming at home with Scratch. The site to download is listed on the right.

Fourth Graders were introduced to a wonderful word cloud generator called tagxedo. The cloud they generated depicted their positive character traits. They used various shapes, sizes, colors, orientation and fonts. I've displayed them in the classroom and you may have seen them coming home. They were amazed to see how simple text can be organized so beautifully. Please ask them about it. The site for tagxedo is listed to the right as well.

As usual if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Take care.

Rasha Sachdeva

Conferences

Hello,

I will be available Thursday March 22 for conferences if you would like to stop by before or after your scheduled time with your child's homeroom teacher. If I'm not with anyone, please come on in.

Thanks,
Rasha Sachdeva